BDC Small Business Awards 2026 Nominees

• September 18^th, 2026
• Advocacy, Community

The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the Third Annual Small Business Awards presented by BDC – a new event in Waterloo Region dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of small businesses in our community. Scheduled to take place October 27^th to wrap up BDC Small Business Month, this prestigious event aims to honor the entrepreneurs and small business owners who drive innovation and contribute significantly to our local economy.

The Small Business Awards will highlight exceptional businesses across 8 award categories. The event will feature a formal awards ceremony and networking opportunities.

Just like last year, the public is invited to cast their votes for the Exceptional Small Business of the Year Award until Sunday, October 4th at 11:59 PM. The winner of the “Exceptional Small Business of the Year Award” is determined entirely by public voting, which can be done daily during the voting period. The business with the most votes will be announced as the winner.

Small businesses are the backbone of our community. The Small Business Awards is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on these hardworking individuals and organizations that make a positive difference every day. We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements and contributions.

Nominees have just been announced across the 8 award categories. Congratulations to the final nominees

Event Impact Award (Sponsored By: Explore Waterloo Region)

• 4M Commercial Group/LUXE Realty
• Altitude Advisors
• Food4Kids Waterloo Region
• Gluten Free Fest
• Handbags for Hospice/Hospice of Waterloo Region
• Vestika’s Oddities & Wellness

Service Excellence Award

• Aion Appraisals & Consulting
• ALL Corporate Printing and Branding
• Ambassador Building Maintenance
• CulturedHR
• FoodZen
• Girls E Mentorship
• Ried Renos
• SURMESUR
• The Crack Specialists
• Vestikas Oddities & Wellness
• Worm Wrangler

Skilled Trades Award

• Cross Heating & Air Conditioning
• Ried Renos

Professional of the Year Award (Sponsored By: Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning)

• Allister Scorgie (Explore WR)
• Chad McIntosh (Great Lakes Helicopter)
• Cheryl McKee (Principal of St. Jude’s)
• Christina Rauchfleisz Shantz (Legacy Builders)
• Christy Bertrand (BIA)
• Fogo Oriowo (A4C)
• Luca Lombardi (Kitchener Rangers)
• Peter Flannery (Clay & Glass)
• Shriaa Sheth (Accelerator Centre)

Family Business of the Year Award

• Evans Collective
• Fo’Cheezy
• Polocorp
• Shuh Orchards

Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Sponsored By: Junior Achievement Waterloo Region)

• Accessibrand
• Ad Ops House
• Amanda Amaral (Maya Moon Books)
• At Home Co.
• AURA-LA
• B Diversity Group
• Big Wish Marketing
• Blue Skies Bookkeeping
• Dr. Narine Dat Sookram, DSW, RSW
• Huckleberry Way
• I Sky Consulting
• Midtown Yoga
• Noteworthy Music Studio
• Ravenwood Tabletop
• Trina (Living Local)
• Vestikas Oddities & Wellness
• Worm Wrangler

Employer of the Year Award (Sponsored By: Reis Informatica Inc.)

• Centre For Mutual Well-Being for Racialized communities
• Concordia Club
• Lyndon Fish Hatcheries
• Pathfinder Staffing

Exceptional Small Business of the Year Award

• AIM Robotics
• ALL Corporate Printing and Branding
• Breakthrough Counselling
• CulturedHR
• F45 Training
• Fo’Cheezy Food Trucks
• Food4Kids Waterloo Region
• Great Lakes Helicopter
• Ried Renos
• Vanessas Cuisine
• Vestikas Oddities & Wellness
• Wesley Courtois (Renovation Rescue with Wes)
• Worm Wrangler

Winners will be announced live at the event on Tuesday October 27, 2026. Winners are never notified ahead of time.

For further information or to purchase tickets for this event please visit www.beagala.ca

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities please email Heather Hutchings, hhutchings@greaterkwchamber.com